Liam Martens

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Liam Martens ("LM") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

LM : My design interest grew naturally throughout the years. I don't have a finished academic background at this point.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

LM : I love creating things that are new, refreshing and most of all I can be proud of.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

LM : It was a decision that grew on me over the years.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

LM : I mostly design websites and applications, but I'd love to get more into drawings and digital art and maybe even some real life stuff.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

LM : One word. Persevere.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

LM : I don't think a designer's work signifies whether he is good or great. I believe it is his or her will to learn and explore new things or fields.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

LM : I think a design should not only consider aesthetics but it should also fit in it's picture.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

LM : Good design can reach millions.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

LM : As both a developer and a designer I'd love to create my own CMS.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

LM : I'm really bad with names. I get inspired by the world around me really.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

LM : I think The Screeners is my best work so far because of it's simple complexity.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

LM : Iterate and get feedback from your peers or colleagues.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

LM : I'd still be creating things as a developer and that is totally fine by me.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

LM : Design to me is anything that is crafted and is visible.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

LM : It's cliché but my parents and friends.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

LM : Iteration and self-criticism.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

LM : Design can be presented in an infinite number of ways. No wrong, no right, it depends on the work.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

LM : I'm thinking about doing more art and conceptual works.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

LM : Create something that reaches millions of people in a good way.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

LM : Design can bring the most uncommon things to man.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

LM : I am mostly excited about my recent venture in starting my own business.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

LM : Exceedingly digital and user-centric.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

LM : Depends on what you see as final. If going live is final, then usually from 1 week to a couple months. If you see perfect as final then never.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

LM : I start in my head. Think about what way to go and how best to go about it.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

LM : Don't wait for inspiration, become it.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

LM : It is always a bit of both.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

LM : Technology is fully intertwined with my work.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

LM : Software wise I use Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator and Gravit Designer. I also utilise a small wacom tablet to improve my workflow.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

LM : They are important for the first impression to set the tone and context.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

LM : It usually starts with a wow. Anything more needed?

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

LM : I do believe it can result in a better end result, but I have yet to try it out.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

LM : I read about a book about UXD which was very intriguing.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

LM : Practise Practise Practise.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

LM : I would love to have a chat with Elon Musk. He is an amazing visionary, entrepreneur and tech head.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

LM : Favourite colours are black then red, favourite place I've been to is London, favourite food is fried or roasted chicken, favourite season is spring, favourite thing is my guitar, favourite brand is Microsoft.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

LM : I remember the first thing I made was ugly as all hell. It was light flashy green with blue buttons containing red icons. The absolute worst.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

LM : I have a passionate for learning and creating. The drive to create is what motivates me.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

LM : Either we are all dead or we have greatly improved the worlds infrastructure, maybe even reached a different planet in our neighbouring solar system.